Sherlock Holmes in 2012: LORD OF DARKNESS RISING
Page 1
SHERLOCK
HOLMES
LORD OF DARKNESS
RISING
Mohammad Bahareth
iUniverse, Inc.
Bloomington
Sherlock Holmes in 2012: Lord of Darkness Rising
Part of the Sherlock Holmes in 2012 Franshise Copyright
Copyright © 2012 by Mohammad Bahareth.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written permission of
the author. No Patient liability is assumed with respect of the information herein. although publisher & Author assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions Nor is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained
herein.
ISBN: 978-1-4759-0560-1 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-4759-0561-8 (ebk)
Author:
Mohammad Bahareth
www.Bahareth.info
Design:
Mohammad AbuEyada
abu3yada@gmail.com | facebook.com/h4design.net
Cover Art:
www.Graphics-Manufacture.com
Warning and Disclaimer:
Every effort has been made to make this book s complete and accurate as possible, but no warranty or fitness is implied. the information provided is on an “as is” basis. The Author And the Publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information contained in this book.
Contents
Acknowledgements
Author’s Comments
PART II
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Sherlock Holmes in 2012 Trilogy
- The Last Time Machine
- Lord of Darkness Rising
- Countdown to Doomsday
Acknowledgements
At this time, I wish to acknowledge the immense contribution Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dame Agatha Christie had in the creation of this story. Their insights, cleverness and astuteness gave me the inspiration to write this book.
I also take this opportunity to thank all who worked on the writing and the production of the series entitled, Babylon 5, especially J. M. Straczynski. The same recognition goes to Star Trek – the original series, The New Generation and Deep Space Nine – with special thanks to Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Sir Patrick Stewart). Ultimately, I wish to thank the people who have produced the series, Stargate – SG-1, Atlantis and Universe – for providing me with the tools I needed in the creation and development of the characters in this book.
Author’s Comments
These shows, Babylon 5, Star Trek and Stargate, are not just entertainment; they are the essence of our combined cultures. They provide an understanding of nations. They delineate a guideline for the days to come. I feel it is very important for me to tell my readers the impact they had on my life and on creating the story of this book.
Babylon 5 inspired me to make the characters and the story more realistic, and to plan ahead. A small, insignificant event in my story would evolve and inspire me in the decisions I would make, while keeping consistent and in line with these decisions for years to follow. I got an insight on politics, power and how the world works, watching the series on numerous and regular occasions. My attention was particularly drawn to the part showing the audience the path to follow to make changes in the world; the key being in the belief that you can and do the right thing no matter what the cost would be.
Star Trek
The Original Series: I was inspired by the amount of technical terms and the highly creative ideas that were used throughout the series. In fact, I watched it with my younger brother in amazement. I acquired an insight in the kind of culture that created this work of art. I felt very strange when I watched the old movies, trying to understand the minds and purpose of the work executed long ago. I enjoyed Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) and his logic. Defensibly, I consider the Star Trek series of historical significance.
The Next Generation: I started watching it when I was six years old. I revelled into following Captain Picard throughout his voyage of understanding humanity and exploring ourselves; explaining anger management to a Klingon (Mr. Worf); explaining human emotion to an android (Mr. Data); and into the journey itself, taking me to a higher understanding of my own being, while lifting my standards and comprehension of life to another dimension.
Deep Space Nine: it began as a show competing with Babylon 5, then it changed direction and explored religious beliefs, war, victims of war, crimes of war, crimes of success, racial disputes, political entanglements, struggles of a leader, and justice. It was an enlightening experience indeed.
Stargate:
SG-1: Watching this series, I learned a lot about team work, trust, and physics. For me, it was a phenomenal experience into an excellent sci-fi series.
Atlantis portrayed our search for our ancestors, in another galaxy, with technologies beyond our grasp and with struggles of daily decisions that could affect everything in the right or wrong way. If you are a leader this is a show you definitely need to watch.
Universe describes the effect of being trapped in a spaceship, not knowing where you are or how to operate the vessel; enemies are everywhere. The chances of success are minimal when faced with unmatched competition – such as Apple, Microsoft, and G.E. The series provided an unparalleled exploration into human behaviour under pressure. Constant pressure transforms a lump of coal into a diamond. And constant pressure allows you to penetrate the depth of your mind and to uncover your deepest fears as well as your deepest desires. In turn, it will help you survive and succeed in an unfriendly world. This is something worth exploring, especially when people feel they may not be the right person in the right place in the right time.
These shows helped me create and write this book – thank you to all of those who participated in their production.
Mohammad Bahareth
June 20, 2011
PART II
LORD OF DARKNESS RISING
Chapter One
A Confrontation
Agent Weisberg had never taken Sherlock’s advice lightly. Although he considered the man as some sort of a mad, delusional and unstable character, he had good reasons to examine the famous detective’s assertions. In fact, every time Sherlock had deduced that there was something to worry about, somewhere in the States, (not that there had been many such instances since Sherlock showed up last summer) Weisberg had contacted his counterpart at the FBI and had his colleagues investigate the possibilities of another terrorist attack. Since August, Sherlock seemed to have focused mainly on these two fellows, Adnan and Penny, without providing Weisberg with any further information except for what he had said when he came in that morning.
Broadway in New York was perhaps the busiest place in that city by night and the one street in the whole of the United States where celebrities and every day folks brushed elbows any time of the day or night. The Las Vegas Strip or even Hollywood didn’t offer such an opportunity for the fans to get close to their idols. Even though Sherlock hadn’t divulged the reasons for his sudden interest in Broadway, Weisberg could not ignore the remark.
With a jolly face, intelligent eyes and a bald head, Carl Weisberg had been nicknamed “Wise-Bob” by his friends and coll
eagues – not only because of his appearance but because he was in fact a learned fellow. Graduating from Harvard at twenty-five, he wanted the excitement of the chase, the intricacy of the deduction, and the exhilaration of the investigation rather than the challenges of the courts that his law degree could have afforded him throughout his career. Always impeccably dressed in suits that were often considered a ‘bit out of line’ as far as his superiors were concerned, and a black Fedora to complete the attire, Weisberg sported the elegance and presence of the law practitioner together with the aloofness of the astute CIA agent that he was.
Sitting himself down at his desk as soon as Sherlock left his office, Weisberg picked up the phone and pressed the one digit that would get him Charles Denver at the FBI on the line immediately.
“Well, well, well, if it ain’t my favourite CIA man,” Denver said, a chuckle in his voice as soon as he picked up the receiver.
“Cut the crap,” Weisberg replied brusquely, “and tell me what you’ve got on the Adnan fellow.”
“Aren’t we a little crabby this morning? What have you had for breakfast? Or didn’t your lady make good on her promises last night… ?” Denver went on with the bantering.
“None of the above, but I got another visit from Sherlock a few minutes ago…”
“You did? Wow! Now that would get anyone a bit on the grumpy side.” Denver paused. “So what did he have to say for himself this morning? Did he tell you that we’re gonna have another nine-eleven on our hands? Or maybe he told you where Adnan is again?”
“That’s just it; I mean you told me that Adnan had been seen on Broadway last night…”
“No, I didn’t say that, Agent Weisberg,” Denver replied, sounding offended. “If you read my report correctly, I said that Adnan attended a Preview of a remake of The Mouse Trap on Broadway two nights ago – not “last night”.”
“Okay, okay, my mistake, but did your guys see where the man went afterwards?”
Denver hesitated. “No, not as far as tailing him to his residence, if that’s what you meant.”
“I thought so,” Weisberg said concertedly. “Do you have any idea why the man chose Broadway or why he went to see The Mouse Trap?”
“The only thing I could figure is that he had been invited to the re-opening of the famous play, no, why?”
“Think, Denver, think of the significance of both the location and the play itself…”
“And what am I supposed to think – that the guy likes Agatha Christie and that he’s not shy to show himself during a full house performance?”
“Did you hear yourself?”
“I guess I did – I’m not deaf yet!” Denver was getting a little impatient with Wise-Bob’s riddles.
“Not deaf, Denver, but you’re getting blind in your old age and certainly complacent.”
“I’m not complacent!” the FBI agent retorted. “I just don’t see where you’re going with this. And if you didn’t spend all your time spurting riddles on the phone, maybe I would see your point a little clearer and get out of your maze of words.”
Weisberg could only chuckle at the remark. He loved that about Denver, he always had a funny way with words. “Okay, I’ll accept that and I’ll clarify: Adnan has been engaged by al Qaeda to do damage in the US – correct?”
“Right.”
“Then he himself does not get anything done but engages the services of a man known as David Penny who leads everyone to believe that Adnan has left the country and is preparing to plant some sort of radiological bomb in the London Tube.”
“Yeah – I read your report about that,” Denver agreed. “He even did it twice – I mean first with the Tube and then the Stock Exchange.”
“That’s right. And now we’ve got Adnan going to Broadway and attending The Mouse Trap – what does that tell you?”
“You tell me!”
“David Penny was the piece of cheese, you idiot,” Weisberg exclaimed. “Don’t you see; both diversions in London were only designed to lure us to the wrong trap. While we would have been busy spending our resources in London helping MI5 out of a non-existent mess, the real trap has been set up right here, in the States – on Broadway to be precise – and in the Majestic that will open its doors this Saturday to the great theatre goers and all the folks who would attend the play.”
“You mean Adnan has locked a radiological bomb in the Majestic – ready to detonate it on Saturday?”
“That’s precisely what I deduced from Sherlock Holmes’s remark.”
“Are you sure the fellow is not spinning a yarn to get your attention again?”
“Can you afford to ignore a clue that would perhaps lead us to a bomb designed to kill every one attending a play – any play – on Broadway on Saturday?”
“Okay, Weisberg. Leave it with me and I’ll see what we can do at this end.”
That afternoon, and as soon as Irene Adler had left the B&B, Sherlock decided he needed to investigate his assumption of a bomb being already planted in the famous Majestic Theatre on Broadway. The evening was already drawing near and he knew he needed to take the Acela Express that would get him in New York in the next few hours – as soon as possible, in fact.
The five o’clock Acela Express would get him in New York at 7:50 PM – just in time to make his way to the Majestic and take a look around. The Mouse Trap was due to open in two days’ time and if he was right, Sherlock would need to find that bomb before it was detonated during the first act. Being rush-hour in Washington, he almost didn’t make the train in time. Still dressed in a dark suit, the plaid overcoat and his favourite cap, Sherlock attracted attention everywhere he went. As he boarded the express and was about to take a seat, a middle-aged, buxom woman brushed past him, saying, “Come on, Sherlock, give us some space. You’re practically blocking the aisle!”
At hearing his name, Sherlock flattened himself against the back of the aisle seat and let the woman pass. “I am very sorry, Madam… , please go ahead,” he blurted.
The woman shrugged and went to take a seat by the window two or three rows ahead of them. Intrigued, Sherlock followed her and sat beside her. “How do you know my name?” he asked her quietly as the train was about to depart the station.
“Don’t that beat all,” the woman replied. “In that get-up, what else should I call you, King Tut maybe?” She shook one of her shoulders as if trying to brush off something from it.
“I don’t understand,” Sherlock said, turning to her. “What do you mean by “get up”?”
She shot him a quick glance. “You got to be kidding me. You’re dressed exactly like Sherlock Holmes – that’s what I mean.”
“That’s because I am!”
The woman let escape a loud guffaw out of her mouth. “You’ve got to be joking. The great detective is dead, or haven’t you read the papers last century?” She laughed.
“I can assure you I am not dead, my dear lady – the fact being that I am speaking to you at this very minute…”
“Yeah, and you’re probably gonna tell me that you’ve come to rescue all of us poor souls out of the torment of hell, aren’t you?”
“All right, Madame…”
“And don’t call me “Madame”, I’m a respectable working woman who’s going home to her husband, like I do every night after a long day’s work – and I’m not stumping the streets soliciting any of the johns roaming the city – if you care to know.”
By this time, Sherlock was staring. Most of what he had heard spoken thus far was English – occasionally distorted by the American accent – yet nothing like this woman’s speech had ever reached his ears. He was perplexed and decided to keep his mouth shut.
The woman did the same and for the next three hours concentrated on her knitting, which she had pulled out of her capacious bag.
Meanwhile, Sherlock got up on a couple of occasions and once in Philadelphia where he bought the newspaper during the two minutes the train was at the station. He resumed his seat and opened the p
aper at the International News Section, only to find another small article dealing with David Penny – again.
When the task force reached the house of the suspected terrorist, David Penny, they found the old mansion in Chelsea, London, U.K., empty. The man had left the premises hours before and there wasn’t a piece of furniture in the house which could have provided a clue as to his current whereabouts.
Sherlock shook his head, smiled and closed the paper. He knew he had been right. David Penny had been the piece of cheese in The Mouse Trap – nothing else.
Mycroft had left Irene with a telephone number where he could be reached at any time. “If you or Sherlock meet with any trouble, don’t hesitate to ring me,” he had said.
Upon her return at her hotel, Irene had delighted in a delicious lunch and was ready to take a nap – she felt exhausted, although she had done nothing on that day that could have justified her sudden tiredness or the need for sleep she experienced at the moment – when she heard the telephone ring. She sat on the bed, picked up the receiver and said nothing.
“Miss Irene Adler?” Mycroft’s voice sounded uncertain.
“Yes, yes, Mycroft – I’m here,” Irene rushed to answer now.
“Did you find him?”
“Yes, I did. He’s still at the little inn – that’s quite a place you found for him…”
“Listen, Irene; I don’t know if you’ve seen the papers this evening, but there’s been some development with David Penny…”
“Sorry to interrupt, Mycroft, but I meant to ask you this – is that the same fellow I was supposed to meet the night you abducted me? Or was that just a coincidence?”
“No coincidence there, my dear, and that’s in fact the reason for which I am ringing you. We’ve tried to locate him and between the time MI5 picked up his tail at the stock exchange and this evening, the man has disappeared – vanished, I should say.”